GEHRINGER, Martin (1962-2018)

GEHRINGER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/30/2019 at 00:16:08

Martin Gehringer
(February 18, 1962 - December 25, 2018)

Marty was born on Sunday, February 18, 1962. He was the second of six children born to Janet (Wilgenbush) and Lester “Doc” Gehringer. Marty was a graduate from Martensdale-St. Marys class of 1980. He married Christie Craven on October 4, 1986. That year they moved into their home in St. Marys, Iowa. They had three children together; Gabrielle, Haylee, and Garrett.
To describe Marty in a few words, he was hardworking, loyal and proud. He was a dedicated member of Local 246 Painters Union where he worked for over 30 years. He created a lot of memories from his time in the union and made lifelong friends. When he was not at work (or working a side job) you could find him in St. Marys. He was very proud of his St. Marys roots and gave back to his community and church. Since he was 18 years old he was part of the Jackson Township Fire Department (St. Marys Fire Department). He was a member of the St. Marys Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed his time with family and friends there. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a member of the Knights of Columbus. He continued his commitment to the town of St. Marys by working as the Water and Sewer Supervisor for over 20 years.
Marty loved spending time with his family and nature. He enjoyed turning every vacation into a road trip. His must-see place was the Redwood Forest, where he took his family this summer. Marty could pick up any leaf and tell you what type of tree it came from. He planted over 200 trees at his home that are now beautiful and mature. He also had a love for birds. He had countless bird houses on the trees he planted. This past summer, he enjoyed sitting on the back deck watching all the hummingbirds fly around him. With his love of nature came a love of gardening. Every year he would say he was going to cut back, but then he would end up having a garden bigger than the year before. He enjoyed taking his boat down to his cabin at Rathbun Lake where he earned the name “Party Marty”.
Marty was a wonderful husband and a very loving father. He is survived by his wife, Christie; children, Gabrielle Gehringer, Haylee (Brady) Katschman and Garrett (Sarah Noel) Gehringer; brother, Chuck (Margie) Gehringer; sisters, Theresa Smith, Maria (Kendall Tack) Gehringer, Tina (Patrick Minor) Gehringer-Minor; sister-in-law, Mia Gehringer; and brother-in-law, Brian Craven. He loved all of his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends he left behind. He kept a special place in his heart for his great niece, Ruthie Rose Brockway, who will carry on his free, fun-loving spirit.
Marty was a very strong man. When he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he never once complained. He fought so hard, even to his last breath. He was tremendously grateful to his family, friends, nurses, and doctors that cared for him throughout his fight. He was humbled by the outpour of support he had from the Pink Tractor Foundation.
He did things on his own time, even in passing. There is a popular Christmas song that starts out, “I’ll be home for Christmas”. On December 25, 2018, Marty went home for Christmas. He was welcomed by his parents, Janet and Lester “Doc” Gehringer; brother, Chris Gehringer; nephews, Tom Gehringer and Brandon Craven and his wife’s parents, Ferne and Cleo Craven.
Funeral Mass for Martin “Marty” Gehringer, 56, who passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday December 31, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church in St. Marys, IA. Visitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, at the St. Marys Hall, St. Marys, IA with a rosary at 7:30p.m. Memorials may be given to St. Marys Fire Department, Pink Tractor Foundation or to his family for a future memorial. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/